TNR is widely recognized as the most humane and effective strategy for
reducing feral cat populations. TNR involves humanely trapping feral cats
and transporting them to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed or
neutered. At this time, they may also receive a health check,
vaccinations, and can be treated for routine medical conditions. After
surgery, the cat recuperates for a day or two and is then returned back to
its colony habitat where it will live out its natural life. Since the cats
are no longer reproducing, the colony will gradually diminish in size. And
by reducing or eliminating mating, fighting, and wandering, TNR makes the
colony more stable, impacts the influx of newcomers, and improves the
health of the cats.
Trap and Kill
As a general rule, feral cats cannot be adopted into human homes, and
relocating them to another area is extremely difficult. Therefore, in most
cases, if feral cats are taken to an animal shelter instead of being
altered and returned, they will be killed. Besides being inhumane, trap
and remove is only a temporary "fix," opening up an ecological
void that intact cats will eventually fill. These intact cats rapidly mate
and grow the colony to the point that it will only be controlled by the
laws of nature. Trap and remove, then, is an endless cycle of breeding and
killing, while TNR is a lifesaving and permanent solution that humanely
reduces feral colony populations.
Case Studies
A survey of feral cat caregivers conducted in San Francisco found that
every caregiver who implemented a TNR program saw their colony stabilize
or decrease in number. In San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, one feral cat
colony has been reduced from 85 cats to two through TNR. And after
caregivers at Stanford University started a successful TNR program, the
campus cat population reached zero population growth almost immediately.
Today, through natural attrition and the adoption of tame cats, the colony
has decreased by over 50%.
In contrast, Sonoma State University administration implemented a trap
and kill program over the objections of campus cat caregivers. Less than
one year after the cats were removed, more cats were again making their
home on campus. At Georgetown University, school officials trapped feral
cats and took them to the local animal control agency where the cats were
killed. Less than six months later, 10 new unaltered cats and 20 kittens
appeared on the campus in one location alone.
One of the primary misconceptions about feral cat caregivers is that
they "establish" cat colonies. In fact, the opposite is true.
Feral cat caregivers are helping cats who are already there. And by
working to feed and alter the cats, they are improving the lives of the
cats and reducing potential problems and births. Through TNR, the
caregivers are actively helping the cats and working to reduce their
numbers over time. By feeding the cats, they are reducing wandering and
other behaviors that may lead to "conflicts" with others.
